M96 vs 9A2

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
9A2 BUY 80/100
+25 points over M96
0 / 100
CAUTION M96 Porsche
0 / 100
BUY 9A2 Porsche

Specifications

M96
9A2
Brand
Porsche
Porsche
Verdict
CAUTION
BUY
Reliability
55
80
Years
1997--2005
2016--present
Displacement
3596 cc
2981 cc
Layout
F6
F6
Type
Petrol Na
Petrol Turbo
Power
300--320 hp
370--450 hp
Known Issues
2
4
Total Risk Cost
€4,500--€15,000
€2,300--€6,100

Character

M96

"996 Carrera/Boxster. IMS bearing failure = catastrophic. RMS leak. Bore scoring (Lokasil). D-chunk crankcase fracture. Beautiful engine with a serious design flaw. IMS upgrade is mandatory."

9A2

"Modern 911 heart. No IMS drama (thats 996/997). Reliable, powerful, expensive to service. Porsche at its best."

Issues Comparison

M96 2

◆ CRITICAL
IMS bearing failure €1,500--€5,000 60,000 km--150,000 km
▲ HIGH
Bore scoring (Lokasil) €3,000--€10,000 60,000 km--150,000 km

9A2 4

● MODERATE
Coolant pipe leak (rear) €800--€2,500 60,000 km--130,000 km
○ MINOR
Spark plug replacement (access) €400--€800 40,000 km--60,000 km
○ MINOR
Sport exhaust valve actuator €300--€800 60,000 km--120,000 km
○ MINOR
Rear main seal weep €800--€2,000 80,000 km--160,000 km

Models

M96 10

911 996 1998--2001 911 996 2001--2004 911 996 2001--2004 Boxster 986 1996--1999 Boxster 986 2000--2004 Boxster 986 1999--2004 911 996 2000--2004 911 996 2004--2005 911 996 1999--2001 911 996 2003--2005

9A2 8

Panamera 971 2017--2024 Panamera 971 2017--2024 911 Carrera 991.2 2016--2019 Coupe 911 Carrera 992 2019--present Coupe 911 Carrera Cabriolet 992 2019--present Convertible 911 Carrera S 991.2 2016--2019 Coupe 911 Carrera S 992 2019--present Coupe 911 Targa 4 992 2020--present Coupe
Full M96 Report Full 9A2 Report